A Sky-High Tramway, Beaches, Falls, and Forest Trails Star in This New Hampshire Notch

Franconia Notch State Park

The granite walls of Franconia Notch cut through New Hampshire’s White Mountains like a giant stone sword.

This slice of wild New England packs waterfalls, hiking trails, and an aerial tram that floats you to the top of Cannon Mountain.

Here’s your guide to the best spots in this mountain paradise.

Hiking the Artists Bluff Trail

The Artists Bluff Trail is perfect for a quick but rewarding hike with amazing views.

This 1.5-mile trail takes you to a rocky overlook with stunning views of Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, and the entire notch.

Start at the Bald Mountain trailhead across from the Peabody Base Area on Route 18. The trail gets steep in spots, so wear good hiking shoes.

You can extend your hike by taking the short spur trail to Bald Mountain summit for additional views.

Exploring the Flume Gorge

The Flume Gorge gives you an up-close look at one of New Hampshire’s most impressive natural features.

This 800-foot natural granite gorge has walls reaching 90 feet high covered in moss and ferns.

You’ll walk a 2-mile self-guided loop that takes about 1.5 hours. The path includes wooden boardwalks and stairs.

Tickets cost $21 per adult in 2025, with online discounts available. The gorge is open May through October, 9am-5pm daily.

You’ll see cascading waterfalls, glacial boulders, and the Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge along the route. The Visitor Center has restrooms, a gift shop, and a food court.

Riding the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Take a scenic ride on North America’s first aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain. The 80-passenger cable cars whisk you to the 4,080-foot summit in under 10 minutes.

From the top, you can see four states and Canada on clear days. Tickets cost $28 for adults and $23 for children (6-12), with kids under 5 riding free with an adult.

Save $3 per ticket by buying online. The tramway runs daily from May 24 to October 20, 2025, from 9am to 4:30pm.

At the summit, you’ll find a 360-degree observation deck, hiking trails, a café, and restrooms. The summit is often 10-15 degrees cooler than the base, so bring a light jacket.

Swimming at Echo Lake Beach

Cool off at Echo Lake Beach, a refreshing spot to relax after hiking. This 39-acre lake sits at the base of Cannon Mountain with views of Mt. Lafayette.

You can rent canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats from the Lakeside General Store for $20-25 per hour. Beach amenities include changing rooms, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Fly Fishing at Profile Lake

Try fly fishing at Profile Lake, a peaceful 13-acre lake stocked with brook trout.

This fly-fishing-only lake sits beneath where the Old Man of the Mountain once stood.

Daily catch limits allow two brook trout, with only one over 16 inches. You need a New Hampshire fishing license, available online from $10 for a one-day non-resident permit.

There’s convenient parking and a launch area for small boats on the south end.

Cycling the Recreation Path

Pedal along the 8.7-mile Franconia Notch Recreation Path that runs through the heart of the park.

This paved trail passes Echo Lake, the Old Man of the Mountain site, the Basin, and the Flume Gorge.

You can rent bikes nearby for about $50 per day, including helmet and shuttle service. The path has a 20 mph speed limit and includes several hills with an 800-foot elevation gain from south to north.

You’ll find restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas at several stops along the route. The path crosses wooden bridges and offers river views throughout.

Most cyclists start at the Flume Gorge for a mostly downhill return trip. E-bikes (Class 1 and 2) are allowed on the trail.

Visiting the Basin

Stop at The Basin to see a unique geological wonder just steps from the parking area. This granite bowl in the Pemigewasset River was carved by glaciers 25,000 years ago.

The short 0.3-mile paved path is accessible for most visitors. Water swirls through the 20-foot-wide pothole, creating mesmerizing patterns.

The surrounding area features additional cascades including Kinsman Falls about half a mile upstream. There’s no entrance fee, and informational signs explain the formation process.

The parking lot is located directly off I-93 between Exits 34A and 34B. The area includes restrooms and several benches for resting. This stop typically takes 20-30 minutes to fully enjoy.

Exploring the Franconia Ridge Loop Trail

Challenge yourself on the Franconia Ridge Loop Trail for some of the best mountain views in New England. This 8.8-mile loop takes you over Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack with 3,900 feet of elevation gain.

The trail combines Falling Waters Trail and Old Bridle Path, creating a full-day adventure. Start early from the Lafayette Place Campground parking lot, aiming to hit the trail by 7am.

The loop takes 6-8 hours for most hikers. You’ll walk along an exposed ridge for 1.7 miles above treeline with 360-degree views.

RV Camping at Echo Lake

Park your RV at Echo Lake for convenient access to all park attractions.

The small seven-site RV park sits on Echo Lake’s north shore with great views of Cannon Mountain.

Each site has full hookups (water, sewer, electric) from Memorial Day through Columbus Day for $40 per night. Sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and space for one vehicle.

Bathrooms are available at the nearby beach during seasonal hours. The location puts you minutes from hiking trails, the aerial tramway, and swimming areas.

Reservations are essential as sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Winter camping is also available for skiers, though with limited services. Sites accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length.

Visiting the New England Ski Museum

Learn about skiing history at the New England Ski Museum located at the base of the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. This compact museum showcases 8,000 years of skiing evolution with changing exhibits.

Admission is free, making it a great addition to your tramway visit. You’ll see displays featuring five Olympic medals won by local hero Bode Miller and equipment dating back to the 1930s.

The museum includes the original 1938 tramway car and vintage photos of Cannon Mountain.

Visitor Information

You’ll find Franconia Notch State Park located on I-93/Route 3 between Franconia and Lincoln, New Hampshire. The park extends from Flume Gorge in the south to Echo Lake in the north.

There is no single entrance point or fee for the park itself, though individual attractions have separate fees. For GPS directions to specific areas, use “Echo Lake State Park,” “Cannon Mountain Ski Area,” or “Flume Gorge” as your destination.

Most attractions operate from May through mid-October, typically 9am-5pm daily. Remember the park follows a Carry-In/Carry-Out trash policy.

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